This is an update to, and continuation of, the out-of-print 9th edition of my guidebook WEEKEND ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. It consists of short chunks of travel throughout Northern California that you can easily digest. More great weekend adventures await at my BERKELEY AND BEYOND website at www.berkeleyandbeyond.com.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

CLOSEDEstate 400 W. Spain St., 3 blks. from plaza, (707) 933-3663; . D daily, SunBr; $$-$$$. Reservations advised. General Vallejo’s third daughter, Natalia, built this Victorian in 1864 with her husband, Attilla Haraszthy, whose family grew grapes in the valley. The house is beautifully renovated and adapted--with high ceilings, cabernet-colored walls, and large window cutouts in interior walls permitting seeing into adjoining rooms--and diners can choose from several seating spaces, including a porch and large patio area in good weather. The regional Italian menu offers several rustic-style pizzas, a delicious roasted chicken, and a popular four-course “La Cena di Famiglia" dinner. One recent evening this well-priced family-style extravaganza included wood-fired-oven-baked bread and a tasty spread; an assortment of four antipasti that included circles of polenta and a few thin slices of housemade salumi; a fresh corn, tomato, and arugula salad with fragrant truffle vinaigrette; wood oven-baked penne with pork shoulder-tomato sugo topped with delicious, very stringy mozzarella and a side of lemony kale; and an ending of roasted fresh peach halves with pistachio gelato. Cocktails, beer, and local wines by the glass are available, and a visit to the separate grappa bar can be fun before or after dining.

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about

*Is a freelance travel writer and the author of 17 books, including
MILES OF SMILES: 101 GREAT CAR GAMES & ACTIVITIES and WEEKEND
ADVENTURES IN SAN FRANCISCO & NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. *Is the founding
publisher of Carousel Press and the editor of DREAM SLEEPS: CASTLE &
PALACE HOTELS OF EUROPE. *Has written for FamilyFun, Sunset, and
numerous other magazines, as well as for the travel sections of many
newspapers. *Has done stints as both a movie and a restaurant critic.
*Has appeared on the Today Show.*Is a member of the Society of
American Travel Writers.